Trusting God with what we have

September 21

Rotuma was unlike any ministry experience I have had before. It was my second visit to the island—a place that holds special meaning for our family, as my wife’s parents, Everard and Atfoa Gibson, were both born there.

I felt honoured to serve as part of Fiji Mission’s evangelistic outreach. On my arrival in Fiji, Mission president Pastor Epeli Saukuru and members of his team warmly welcomed us at the airport as I transited through to Rotuma. Their kindness meant more than they probably realised. I had buried my mother, Rita Opetaia, only days before beginning this journey, and my father-in-law had passed away in May this year—a man who, with his wife, invested wholeheartedly in the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for decades. The welcome from Fiji Mission’s leaders lifted my spirits at a time when I was still carrying the weight of grief.

I do not speak or understand the Rotuman language, but I was reminded that the gospel is not limited by language. Families generously welcomed me—transporting me, feeding me, hosting me, and making sure I had everything I needed. Water and electricity ran on timers, internet access was patchy and I had no transport of my own, yet God provided through the kindness and hospitality of His people.

Everyone in the church had a part to play. Together with Pastor Dawn Ravulo (associate chaplain, Pacific Tertiary Evangelistic Centre) and Joeli Turaga (Adventist Hope Radio Fiji station production director), we offered God what we had and were encouraged by the many people who came each day. I’m grateful for the support and hospitality of Pastor Thomas Albert and the local church family at the Samoa site congregation in Motusa. A Vacation Bible School (VBS) ran alongside the evangelistic program, opening another door to reach children and their families.

Rotuma reminded me that mission is not ultimately about our resources, our abilities or even having everything go according to plan. It is about being willing to go where God calls, offering Him what we have and trusting Him to do what only He can do.

Over the course of the outreach we were involved in 15 evening mission presentations, Bible studies, leadership training, radio broadcasts, interviews, dedications, anointing services, singing programs and other community activities. Each gave us a different way to connect with people and share the hope we have in Jesus.

The greatest privilege was watching people choose to follow Jesus through baptism. To stand beside men, women and young people as they publicly committed their lives to Christ—and to have the honour of baptising some of them—was deeply humbling. On August 29, 31 people were baptised. Each was more than a number: each represented a life touched by God’s grace and a decision to begin a new journey with Jesus Christ.

I left Rotuma encouraged by the faith, generosity, resilience and commitment of its people, and deeply grateful for the privilege of serving alongside Fiji Mission during Rotuma for Christ 2026.—Billy Opetaia is the pastor of Griffith Seventh-day Adventist Church, New South Wales